From The Heart Productions
Fiscally Sponsored Indie Films and Projects

The inspiring true story of a twelve year old girl whose bake sale built a school in Haiti.

Green Frog Cafe is a short film about family and what happens when you realize you are about to lose someone special. Ever since he was a young boy, Steven had Jack as his mentor, to teach him how to whittle, how to spit, and how to sit up straight. Jack helped Steven buy his first guitar and took him along to the Green Frog Cafe where he and the other old-timers told tall tales.
Now Jack is ill and near the end of his life. Steven is afraid to lose his old friend and does his best to push everyone away and drink away his fears, not wanting to accept the inevitable. He makes a final trip home to say his goodbyes and help ease Jack’s final days.

"From the people, for the people"
For nearly a century, the aftermath of the tragic historical period of archived and hidden American Black history of a prosperous self-sufficient black owned business district in Tulsa Oklahoma, now serves to be powerless against the effects of de-segregation, and the modernized economic advancement leaving the Greenwood district formerly known as “Black Wall Street in a state of financial economic despair. This true story of “Black Wall Street” will be told from the perspectives of Greenwood community residents, descendants of the deceased wealthy minority business owners directly affected by the race riot, while exploring the perceived economic position

When lifelong besties are selected for a popular 1980s game show, a petty misunderstanding leads to a meltdown in front of a live studio audience, threatening their special bond.

As their 10-year high school reunion approaches, Dale and Trina, best friends with unfulfilled dreams, get a shot at success on "Grocery Grab," a live game show. However, their conflicting goals and poor communication create chaos, intensified by competing against high school nemeses. Amid pressure, a heartfelt confrontation occurs, leading to a profound realization. Winning isn't their priority; repairing their friendship is. Through tears and laughter, Dale and Trina reconnect, proving that there's no rock bottom when you're with true friends.

Happiest Days of Our Lives is a peek into the human psyche in a moment of great tragedy. It explores the fragility of human life and how trauma left unaddressed can bring us and those around us down. It follows Cameron, an 18-year-old boy who is left numb after losing his mother to mental illness and ultimately suicide. He is plagued by guilt and confusion but is resistant to facing his pain head-on, resulting in further tragedy. The story questions the responsibility of friends and family in times of turmoil and the power of unconditional love.

After a mass shooting turns America’s schools into near prisons, a group of disaffected high school students battle to destroy the system that subjugates them. Little do they know, a sociopath bent on teaching them tortuous lessons turns each student’s archetype against them one by one.

It’s Christmastime and Jessi is all but excited. She finds herself with comparisonitis in the world of social media. Other women her age just seem to “have it all”, including that engagement ring. Jessi finds herself frustrated over her job at the local big box store, still struggling with the loss of her parents, and drowning in student loan debt. Her Grandma and friends seem to be concerned for her health and well being, and only want Jessi to be happy.

Will Jessi ever see the love that is right in front of her? Will she continue down her dark path of negativity and struggle, or will the magic of Christmas shine light on her future?

A 16mm film observing the impact of homelessness, police brutality and stage fright on a resilient single father and young son.

O'ahu's west side, local revolutionary, has earned passage to follow his dream, but has to save his young rapping brother from his drug addiction, before he leaves.

Hometown Hustle is about how small businesses in small towns make a BIG impact. This series, hosted by show creator and producer Natalie K. Hodge, showcases the innovation, resilience and positive energy of entrepreneurs from little known places. The feel-good reality series is filled with heartwarming moments and humor.

What is something that everybody enjoys but no one acknowledges? Progress.
Human Progress – The Bad, the Good, and the Factual is a documentary that challenges the view of human progress as an illusion of the modern age vis-à-vis the denouncements of technological improvements as detrimental for society.

With a pandemic, climate disasters, crackdowns on protesters by authoritarian regimes, ongoing wars, hunger, and basic human rights under threat around the world, it is hard to believe, especially when reading the daily news, that things are getting better. Bad news and political discourse driven by fear and disinformation, ask for a fresh look at human progress.

Ukraine’s courageous, odds-defying stand against Russia ignited unparalleled global support for Ukraine while revealing the tremendous power of human unity. This film examines the diverse journeys Russia's unprovoked invasion has forced upon Ukrainians through the stories of the volunteers - inside and outside Ukraine - who are contributing whatever actions, skills, and resources they can. These often-unsung contributions are making an enormous difference to help keep Ukrainians in the fight, hopeful, and resilient, while also changing the volunteers themselves. The hope and possibility revealed provides a striking contrast to the injustices and atrocities Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine.

This film is about an elderly marginally housed woman living in San Francisco's Tenderloin District. As seen through her eyes, she struggles to manage the present while being hopelessly lost in the traumas of the past. In recent years there has been an explosion of people living on the streets in many small and large cities with much conversation about what to do about "them". This film is dedicated to those we know who may have fallen through the cracks and challenges us to try to understand ... and not look away. Funds will be used for production costs such as location fees, cast and crew, insurance , equipment rentals craft services and post production.

Gender incongruent as a child, Kathy, knew she was female as far back as pre-school. What did a penis have to do with anything, she asked her mom, Nancy. Even though, Nancy explained the facts, it never clicked for Kathy, so she did what all boys do and learned to become a boy. After spending her life suffocated by gender dysphoria, Kathy, now 60, petitions her health care provider for vocal and facial feminization surgery. A life-long dream shattered, when Kathy, during second surgery, contracts a life-altering infection forever changing her outcome. I Am Kathy is a tragedy and triumph. Kathy shows us what a survivior looks like, embracing her life fearlessly and unapologetically,

Dementia is a beast. In this warm, adventurous, and darkly humorous family drama on the fringes of reality, Vivian travels to the Mojave High Desert to convince her father, Art, to move from independence to assisted living. Vivian's struggle turns treacherous when Art goes missing in the dead of night. Now she must track him down with the help of only her paranormally-enthused husband, Shelby.

Detroiters inspire each other to vote through reciting a powerful spoken word poem by Charles Thomas Jr., a Detroit voting rights elder and activist.

This short film will be distributed for free to every GOTV org operating in the Detroit area during the critical 2022 mid-term elections.

I Remember Nicole is an Award-Winning, Call to Action! Music Video. A Global Anthem Reclaiming Power Over Domestic Violence.
While viewing I Remember Nicole, victims of abuse will see themselves in the faces of the hundreds of women who are standing strong. She will hear her life in the lyrics. Our hope is that I Remember Nicole empowers her to find HER voice. Raising Awareness while Raising the Roof!

As profits continue to decline, farming communities in Colorado look to controversial solutions as they struggle to keep their traditional way of life alive. IN A DRY LAND explores industrial hemp’s role in saving rural America.

In the Path of Peace, a feature length documentary film, will show how Krav Maga, the self-defense discipline popularized in Israel, can be one of the most effective tools to combat antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of the horrific attacks in Israel on October 7th. The film goes beyond self-defense, delving into the mental and physical empowerment that Krav Maga embodies, helping individuals build character, overcome trauma, and walk with pride.

Indie Rooftop is a 7-episode documentary series that features noteworthy independent artists of various genres in performances and interviews.

Logline:
After the death of her Grandma, 26 year old Kayla revisits her childhood only to discover that Grandma has strangely disappeared from some of her memories.

Inez is a short film centered around a recurring dream I had following my Grandma's (Inez) death. In the dream, I revisited my childhood memories with my Grandma. However, during the dream, I discovered that she was missing from those memories and I was unable to find her. Through my journey with grief, I set out to find my Grandma and to find peace after this devastating loss. The goal of this film is to not only celebrate my Grandma's life, but to also examine the journey of Grief- a journey that is often only seen for its

INHERITANCE explores the underlying causes of the opioid epidemic in America through the life of one boy and five generations of his extended family over 11 years. Curtis, a bright and hopeful boy, grows up from age 12 to 18 surrounded by love and struggle while every adult in his family – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins – battles addiction. Curtis’ America is an America where people and communities are struggling with an epidemic of substance use disorder, joblessness and a deteriorating sense of belonging.

Tristan is ranked #1 basketball player in the nation and now everything’s on the line. Your future coach is scandalous, trust is questionable and crime is lurking. In 24hrs the city will reap dire consequences and seek justice. Tristan is mentally torn, seemingly every decision is critical as the game winning shot. Leaving him no choice but to do what’s best.

A convicted mother struggles to keep her family intact after a car accident results in manslaughter. Now the disgruntled apparition demands she reveal the hidden family truth.

This is the remarkable story of Jimmy “The Brick” Flick, a UFC fighter from Sand Springs, Oklahoma who lifted himself out of a troubled and adversity-filled childhood by passionately pursuing his dreams of succeeding in his chosen profession, living a good and generous life, giving back to his community, and inspiring others do the same things.

NOT ALL DEATH IS THE END OF LIFE

A grieving father must set aside his own beliefs to honor his son Joe’s last wish to be an organ donor. As time goes by he finds a calling and new “normal” in the reflection of Joe’s legacy of service to others. Through multiple stories of grief and recovery, we see what happens when true heroes die and find out they never really do.

When Zhu Shen’s husband Changyou dies of cancer, she throws herself into a six-year odyssey to produce their 12-year-old artistically gifted son Perry’s animated film Changyou’s Journey (a 2019 Oscar-qualifying animated short) in honor of his father, unleashing a mother-son tug of war. Zhu must learn to look inward to reconnect with her son, reclaim her own buried artistic prowess, and transform from a “Tiger Mom” to a “Zen Mom.”

In a post-cataclysmic world, a guilt-ridden actress-turned-detective drags an unwelcome partner into her unconventional approach to crime-solving before the culprit can strike again.

Kris & Kyle are best friends, now in their thirties living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, started tackling the world one adventure at a time as they felt they had a ticking clock over their shoulder. In an effort to not let SMA get in the way of their fun and their ambitions, they take on the comedy stage, artistic challenges, and politicians. This documentary is in its tenth year of following their challenges, wins, and everyday banter.

This documentary chronicles one woman's journey to discover the truth about her ancestor, Carl Laemmle, who founded Universal Studios and saved Jews from the Holocaust. She finds three families he saved, learns their stories, then travels to Southern Germany with her husband and 11 year-old daughter to find the places they were forced to flee. They are surprised to also find Germans working to preserve the past today.

Hours before the German Surrender was in effect, a B-17 crashed in the unrelenting North Sea killing 11 of the 13 airmen on-board who were returning from a Humanitarian Mission to drop food to the starving Dutch. Six of the airmen are still missing. "Last Intercept" tells their story through letters, archival photos and film, and the memories of loved ones.

When Keshia, a young charismatic undocumented Latina living in New York City, decides to start her own businesses, she not only embarks on a journey that challenges her as a young entrepreneur but also discovers how Latinas must fight tenaciously in the United States to establish themselves as relevant group. All this so they can make their dreams LATINA OWNED.

*Poster from our concept short film "The Lazarus Game."
Fallon Carter, a shy college freshman and member of the Gamma Gamma Gamma sorority, catches her boyfriend cheating with the sorority president. When her sisters find out, they suggest some innocent revenge. They plan an elaborate prank to get back at the cheaters, but it turns fatal costing the life of a sister. The group panics, covers up the accident, and reports the girl missing. The next school year a new freshman shows up for rush week who looks exactly like the one they buried. The arrival of the doppelganger spurs chaos and the girls are forced to face the consequences of the previous Spring.

A young woman has a change of heart after accidentally hearing the heartbeat of her child.

LOGLINE : Best-selling author Annie Bell announces she’s writing an
expose on her estranged mother, only to discover her mother
is suddenly missing. As she digs for answers, mysterious events
begin to unfold, and Annie fears ancient forces may be at play...

A compelling documentary that follows Ireland’s Lord Randal Plunkett (39), the 21st Baron of Dunsany Castle, as he works to re-wild his 1700 acre estate (the country’s largest private rewilding project) to help fight climate change. Randal’s efforts are jeopardized, however, when the transportation department threatens to construct a railroad that would run directly through his property and destroy the land and legacy he’s worked so hard to save.

Filmmaker Andrew Garbus’s parents are divorcing after thirty years of marriage. In response to this, he creates a film chronicling the week of the move out from his childhood home, seeking closure as to how his family fell apart, while continuing to battle his own demons, both past and present, and trying to find hope for the future.

"Tragedy ensues after a lonely hermit falls in love with a mysterious young woman that purchases his old family home."

This is a low budget self-funded grass roots film shooting in rural Virginia. We are casting and crewing out of the mid Atlantic and will be shooting against the backdrop of the Appalachian region. A heavy focus on practical effects and authentic scenery is primary goal for the aesthetic of this film. Both director and producer are local to Virginia and have made award winning films within the commonwealth over the last few years.

A young woman must choose between staying in her small town to look after her younger sister and manipulative father, who is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after a failed suicide attempt, or move to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.

A woman’s nose grows long when she assumes a fake online identity. Committed to beauty, she hides her dysmorphia with a new nose that grants her fame and fortune.
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This surreal disaster fantasy short is a proof-of-concept for a feature film.
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@malocchiomovie (twitter / fb / ig)

MAN FREED written by Will Rittweger & Wendy Leigh is a historical, gothic fiction. Romanticism meets the metaphysical as Lord Byron's famous closet drama makes its debut on screen, reimagined and adapted.

A curious and intelligent non-verbal autistic girl struggles to communicate. Her mother is desperate to provide the necessary tools for survival in a world where if one is without a voice ~ one is invisible to the world as well.

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Our manifestations create pure Bliss in our lives.

In high school and even in college, people, especially young women believe that they'll have their life all mapped out. In the moments of life, they don't see how the circle of events eventually propels them to their destined journey.

Four best friends: Ashlyn, Jade, Briana, and Stacey, have experienced divorce, hot girl summers, plenty of girl's trips, and just overall life! Life has been fun and they all enjoy the sisterhood they have, but now that the main hot girl of the group, Ashlyn, is getting married, she wants her girls to experience the same Bliss. Her engagement party is coming up and she thinks it will be good to put a twist on

A woman in the man's world of auto body repair sues City Hall to display a hot pink Mustang, planted with wildflowers, as part of her Shop's sign after the City declares it a violation of the new Junk Car Ordinance, an Ordinance only enforced when people complain. So, who’s out to get this single mother in her 40s – her ex-husband, a disgruntled employee, a prejudiced customer, a competitor…all of the above? Inspired by true events that divided the city of Baytown, TX in 1994. This comedic drama will be writer/director Jenny Waldo's second feature film and has garnered accolades from competitions, labs, and grants to develop this ensemble, female-centered, feel-good film.

When her college sweetheart leave her for a millennial, a disenchanted woman finds solace with a motley group of co-ordinated and not so co-ordinated “dancers” at the local YMCA who come together to work out life’s travails at the barre, and at the HAPPY PLACE, the other bar.

Inspired by a real-life Jazz class taught by a professional ex-Broadway dancer at a local YMCA, MEET ME AT THE BARRE resolves around Cici, a woman of a certain age who thrives on routine but is now thrown off her axis after her recent divorce from Pete, played by the hilarious Pete Gardner from My Crazy Ex Girlfriend. She finds solace and comfort with her two besties, and some of the misfits in class.

Mels Love Land is an original docu-series that asks the question WHAT IF All Our Thoughts Were Loving?

Take a journey through history with Messiah – an exploration of ancient Israel’s messianic expectations, and the Christian claim that these are fulfilled by Christ. Narrated by Leonardo Defilippis and filmed at nearly 30 locations in the US, Holy Land and Rome, Messiah is an account of the rise of Christianity viewers of every background will never forget.

In the emotionally charged live-action short film Mightyclaw, inventor Austin Carole creates the Mighty Pals toy line to help parents keep an eye on their children while they adventure outdoors. When Anna and Pete's son, Jake, disappears into the New Hampshire wilderness with his Mighty Pal, Harlow Mightyclaw, the plush toy, fitted with the latest radio and video technology of the time becomes their lifeline. As time runs out and Harlow's battery dwindles, the family fights against the clock to find their son and reunite their family. Mightyclaw explores the power of parental love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bond between a child and their cherished companion.

Father Dulles is a highly acclaimed and accomplished small-town priest. Despite his accolades and experience, his next task could prove to be the hardest he's ever faced. A parishioner brings her unexpectedly-pregnant daughter, Amber, to the church to decide whether or not to keep her baby. Dulles soon finds Amber is having unusual supernatural side effects. Could it all be a coincidence or does it mean something more? Dulles must consider his personal/moral feelings on the situation as well as these strange and unexpected occurrences to help Amber make the right choice.